But otherwise there is a reason why 1.7.2 or 1.7.10 are the recommended (more so 1.7.10) for mods is due to stability, content and just variety of mods for them. It's like if I wanted to go for a 1.12.1 version of mods now, sure I could but it's not a good idea for various reasons. That and Forge isn't available for 1.7.4 so it's even more not recommended for that reason alone.

But then again I am someone who would use 1.10 over 1.10.2 mods if the mods support only 1.10 so I can try them out so I'm not against looking for mods on specific versions that aren't the major ones. I've even considered mods for 1.8.8 again fairly recently but the results were ok-ish.

Depending on what you consider "good" and what you enjoy, I typically recommend any of Reika's packs since they require learning and forethought and (at least to me) provide a great sense of accomplishment once you figure them out.